Radially yieldable device



March 25,1941. E. F. JAckMAN 2,236,370

1 'RAnIALL-Y YIELDABLE DEVICE Filed April 1, 1939 A X 33 W/d c 35 like yieldable in a radial direction but substan Another object or my invention is the provision 35 tially non-compressible in a longitudinal direcof making a packing bearing, bushing, or the tion. like of a plurality of truncated, comically-shaped Another object of my invention is to provide split washers circumierentially locked together. for makinga radially yieldable device of a plu- Another objector my invention is the pro- Patented, Mar. 25, 19 1 a 2,236,370

UNITED STATES PATENT ol-"r ca mommy YIELDABLE mivron Elmer F. Jackman, Lakewood, Ohio, assignor to George V. Woodling and Elmer F. Jackman, co-truatees as joint assignee Application April 1, 1939, Serial No. 265,479

e Claims. v (01.. 286-30) My invention relates in general to radially longitudinal movements of the radially yieldable yieldable devices adapted to be positioned bedevice in the annular converging space defined tween and bear against. two relatively movable by'the relative movable members to be limited members, and more particularly to packings, by theengagement of the radially yieldable de- 5 bearings, bushings or the like. vice against the annular non-parallel longitu- An object of my invention is to provide for 'dinal surfaces of the said relative movable sealing the space between two relatively movable members. i members. Another object of my invention is to provide Another object of my. invention is the profor mounting the radially yieldable device at a in vision of a radially yieldable device, adapted to distance from the converging end of the annular be positioned between and bear against two relaconverging space defined by the relative movable tively movable members, whichcompensates'for members between which the radially yieldable wear. device is mounted. v Another object of my invention is theprovision' Another object of my invention is the pro- I5 of a radially yieldable device, adapted to be posivision of a packing, bearing, bushing; or the tioned between and bear against two relatively like which automatically maintainsa closeenmovable members, which'automatically compengagement with the relatively movable members sates for wear. between which same is mounted. Another object of my invention is the pro: Another object of my invention is the pro- 2n vision of making a radially yieldable device out visioniof a packing, bearing, bushing, or the like of material, which is substantially -non-comwhich has good wearing qualities. v a

pressible. -Another object of my invention is the pro- Another object of myinvention is the provision of a radially yieldably device which will vision of a radially yieldable device arranged to maintaina close fitting engagement and a fluid have circumferential relative movement with retight seal betweenashaft and a housing mov- 25 spect to either of the two relatively movable able relative to each other regardless of whether members between which it is mounted. I the shaft and housing are concentric or ex- 1 Another object of-my invention isto' perm centric, or in alignment .or out of alignment, the radially yieldable device to rotate in the or running true or wabbling relative to each housing in which it'is mounted and thereby preother.

vent the radially yieldable device from wearing Another object of my invention is the pro-- in a localizedarea. vision of making a packing, bearing, bushing, Another object of my invention is to provide or the like of a plurality of truncated, conicallyfor making a packing, bearing, bushing, or-the shaped split washers.

40 rality of assembled parts having inner and outer vision of maintaining a close fitting engagement 40 non-parallel circumferential surfaces and for be ween a sha t and a h u in mo able relamounting the assembled parts between two re1a-, 'tive to each other and both defining a tapertively movable members having annular noning annular space by an assembly of split flexparallel longitudinal surfaces defining an annular ible washers of truncated conical form nested 5 converging space which substantially conforms Q Y together and ng a gradually p to the assembled parts. ing .lnit to closely fit the tapering annular space,- Another object of my invention is to provide regardless of whether the shaft and housing for resiliently exerting a longitudinal pressure are c ce t ic or e ent o n a n e t o upon the assembled parts of the radially yieldout of alignment. ning true or wabblin able device to cause each of the parts to exert relative to each other. 50 substantially the same radial pressure upon the Another object of my invention is the provision annular converging surfaces of the relatively of mounting a plurality of truncated, conically movable members between which the radially shaped split washers of gradually reducingsize yieldable device is mounted. into an annular tapering space defined by a Another object of my invention is to cause the shaft and an encircling housing and of permit- 55 ting each washer'to have freedom of movement as to changeable transverse or conical angularities. p

Another object of my invention is the provision of a radially yieldable device which distributes the total pressure at which it engages the relatively movable members substantially uniformly throughout the entire area of surface contact.

Another object of my invention is the provision ofjrnaking a radially yieldable device of a plurality of truncated, conically-shaped split washers, each. having inner" and outer non-parallel circumferential surfaces.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of my invention maybe had by referring to the following description and'claims, taken in conjunction with the. accompanying drawing, in which: a

'Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a device embodying the features of my invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a truncated, conically-shaped split washer embodying the features' of my invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the split.

washer shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an assembled view of my radially yieldable' device embodying the split washers shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectioned view of a modified form of my invention Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of two split washers having circumferential locking means arranged in the circumferential position, which they will occupy when mounted into an assembled unit; and

Figure 7 is a plan view of the right-hand split washer shown in Figure 6, looking from right to left. i

With reference to the drawing, my radially yieldable device isiilustrated "generally by the reference charabter II and comprises a plurality of closely assembled-truncated, conically-shaped split washers II, 'each having inner and outer non-parallel circumferential surfaces ILand 2., respectively. The radially yieldable device II is adapted to be positioned between and bear against a'shaft l6 and a tapered annular wall 20 of a housing IS. The shaft l6, since it has a substantially constant diameter, and the tapered annular wall 20, since it has a gradually varying radial dimension, define an annular converging space or receptacle 2|, having non-parallel longitudinal surfaces. v

As shown in Figure 4, each of the split washers l9, when assembled, is disposed circumferentially with respect to each adjacent washer. so

that the split portions 2| do not communicate with each other.

The inner circumferential surface 21 of each of the split washers I! is arranged to engage and conform to the shaft I 6,-and the outer circumferential surface 2! is arranged to engage and conform to the tapered wall 20. Accordingly, the over-all inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the assembled washers of my radially yieldabladevice l8 flt closely in the annular converging space 2l. The close conformity of the inner and outer circurnferentially surfaces and 28 to the shaft It and to the tapered wall 20 respectively, makes a good seal from one end of the assembled washers to the other. since circumferential communication is blanked between the split portions 28 assembly.

The assembled washers may be resiliently conof adjacent washers of the strained longitudinally into the annular converging space II by means of a spring 24 positioned between a suitable recess in an adjustable threaded member I! and an annular retaining The split washers 19 are made of material having good wearing quality. The nature ofv the material depends upon the particular application of the invention. Under'certain applicatlons, th applicant finds that phenolic laminated products or phenol condensation products make a good material. Fibrous and plastic materials also may be used. In other applications certain metals and alloys may be employed. Tests shown that excellent operating results are obtained with materials possessing durable wearing qualities and have the property of being radially yieldable when in the shape of a split washer and substantially non-compressible in a longitudinal direction. The function growing out of the noncompressible material is that the pressure can erted by the spring 24 upon the end washer is readily transmitted to each succeeding washer. The distribution of the longitudinal pressure upon each washer causes the inner and outer circumferential surfaces 21 and 28 of each washer to engage the shaft I6 and the annular tapered wall 20 with substantially the same radial pressure. The individual action of each washer insures full and eflective engagement or bearing 7 tie] surfaces 21 and 28 to fit closely in the angular converging space 2!. By making the washers the correct size and shape. the invention works effectively when first set into operation and does not need a trial period during which it may wear in before final adjustments are made.

Should wear occur from long use, the pressure ofthe spring 24 resiliently urges the assembled washers to move as a unit longitudinally farther into the annular converging space 2i and causes each of the split washers to radially contract. Upon contraction, the washers maintain a substantially perfect engagement against the encircled shaft Ii and the annular converging wall 2!. Each washer is permitted to move freely and independently and thus the assembled unit automatically maintains a good tight sealing engagemerit between the shaft ii and the tapered annular wall 20. The contracting of the'washers radially slightly change the angle of the cone,

- but since thewear occurs gradually the inner and outer circumferential surfaces, 21 and II are maintained in close fitting engagement at all times with the shaft is and the tapered annular well ill.

The end washer at the smaller end of the assembly is positioned at a distance from the end of the tapered annular space 2|, so that the washers as a unit are free to'movegradually longitudinally into the tapered annular space 2| to 1 relatively movable "membersbetween which they are mounted.

In the illustration in Figure 1, the shaft 16 and the housing I5 may. longitudinally reciprocate relative toeach other, or they may rotate relative to each other, or they may partake both of-a longitudinal and i a rotary movement relative to each other. In the case of a relative rotary movement, the assembled washers are free to have cir-' cumferential relative movement with either the 1, except that there is limited relative longitushaft 16 or the tapered annular wall 20. This freedom of relative circumferential movement of the assembled washers prevents the washers from wearing in a localized area. J

m Figure 5, I show a modified arrangement of my invention, in that the shaft 32 has a tapered portion 35 and the annular wall 36 of the housing 3| has a substantially constant radial diameter. The plurality of assembled split washers 34, each have inner and outer circumferential surfaces 40 and I l respectively, to engage closely the tapered portion 35 of the shaft 32 and the annular wall 36,- which define an annular converging space 31. The assembled washers 34 maybe resiliently constrained longitudinally lnto the annular conver ing space 31 by means of a spring 38 positioned between a suitable recess in an adjustable threaded member 33 and an annular retaining member 39 abutting against the end washer at the larger end of the assembly. The operation of this embodiment of my invention is substantially the same asthat described with reference to Figure dinal -movement between the shaft]! and the housing-3 I By reason of the fact that the plurality of split washers are closely nested together, the frictional engagement therebetween tends to prevent them-from moving circumferentially with respect to each other.

In Figures 6 and'l, the truncated, conically shaped washers 42 are modified, in that alocking means is provided in addition to the action of the frictional engagement to limit positively the assembled washers from moving circumferen-v tially relative to each other. As illustrated, the

locking means may comprise a tab 43 arranged to fit. into a cut away portion '44 provided in the next adjacent washer of the assembly. v The positioning of thetab 43 into the cut away portion' 44 is illustrated by the exploded view'in Figure 6,

.where the washers, when assembled, occupy the circumferential position as shown.

The angularity of the conically shaped washers when assembled in my radially yieldable device II and the degree of the convergence of the'annular converging space in which the radially yieldable device is mounted, are determined by.

the nature of the application. The applicant finds that an angularity of the conically shaped washer substantially as shown and a convergence of the annular converging space substantially as shown, produce good operating results, butit is to be understoodthat the-invention is not limited to the angularity and convergence shown in the drawing. J

In my invention, it is the close fit of the coni cal split washers that makes the seal. The seal or close fitting engagement is obtained by preforming the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the washer to make a. close lit with the shaft and the annular wall or surface, without requiring excessive pressures.

The cupped feature of the split'w'ashers enables them to maintain a substantially perfect inner and outer circumferential fit upon contractionandexpansion. Tests and experiments show that my radially yieldable device maintains agood seal or close engagement between the shaft and the encircling housing, even though the shaft and housing are somewhat excentric, or out of alignment, or,wabbling relative to .each other. The

above results appear to be brought about by reason of the fact that each of the flexible washers is at liberty to move independently with respect to .each other to maintain sealing engagement with the shaft and the housing. I

The freedom of the assembled washers to act independently enables them to assume a variable transverse angle as well as to assume the variable included conical angle previously described, which changes as the assembly moves longitwdlnally'as a unit into the annular tapering space.

The transverse angle may be defined as the angle between the center line of the shaft and a plane coinciding with the base or top of the cone of each washer. able to conform to the shaft and housing, under relatively light pressure, to maintain continuous ly throughout a long wearing period a good seal or close engagement under any or all of the above described conditions.

A principal feature of my invention is that th truncated, conically shaped split washers need Thus the individual washers are not be crushed or incapacitated by any actionexerted by the spring. The function of the spring is twofold: In the firstplace the spring functions to resiliently constrain theplurality of assembled washers'in a close nestedposition. In the second place, the spring functions to resiliently urge the plurality of assembled washers as-a unit longitudinally into the annular converging space defined by the shaft and the annular wall. In order to allow the washers to move longitudinally as a unit, the washer at the end opposite, from the spring is spaced at a distance from the, end wall of the annular converging space. Each washer may move individually to some extent so that a. slight longitudinal pressure of the spring cause the split washers to exert a sufllcient radial pressure against the shaft and the annularwall to maintain a substantially constant close fit, which effects a good seal. It is important to keep in mind thatit is the close fitof the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the washers against the shaft and the annular wall that makes the seal effective.

The washers also may move circumferentiglly relative to the shaft or the annular wall. This freedom prevents the washer from being. subject shaft or the annular wall. In addition, the

construction is such that the pressure exerted by the spring appears to be substantially uniformly and longitudinally distributed to each of the plu- 5 rality of washers of the complete assembly, which in turn apparently causes the radial pressure exerted by each washer to be' substantially the same. This distribution of pressure gives a substantially uniform engaging contact throughout the entire area of the engagement, and insures a uniformly low unit' pressure which gives lon wearing. life to the material.

Although I have described my invention with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood 5 that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combina tion and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed,

I claim as my invention:

1. A shaft seal device adapted to create a 'seal' between a-shaf-t and a housing movable with respect to each other, one of said members hav- 5 ing a conical surface whereby said members together define a. tapering annular space surrounding the shaft, said device being disposed within said annular space and comprising a plurality of split flexible washers of I truncated conical form nested together with their adjacent conical surfaces coinciding, each of said washers having an inner edge surface engaging said shaft and an outer edge surface engaging said housing, said washers beingfree to mov with respect to each other into sealing engagement with said shaft,a.nd housing, and means for urging the nested washers as a unit longitudinally of said shaft toward the smaller end of said tapered space to compensate for wear, .the washers being 40 held against such movement solely by the engagement of the edge portions of the individual washers against the shaft and the housing, the

over-all length of the nested washers being less than the length of the tapering annular space.

2. A device adapted to be positioned between and bear against two relatively movable members, one of said --members having a'conic-al surface and the other said member having a cylindrical surface whereby said members together define a tapering annular space, said device comprising a plurality of closely nested truncated, conicallyshaped split washers of gradually decreasing sizes 5 and forming a gradual taper withinner and outer edge surfaces adapted to engage and conform closely, to the inner and outer surfaces of the said tapering annular space, said device having means for circumferentially locking the adjacent washers of the assembly together to prevent circumferential relative movement with respect to each other.

3. A device comprising a. plurality of truncated, conically-sh-aped split washers of gradually decreasing sizes and adapted to be closely nested to form a gradual taper with inner; and outer edgesuriaces, one of said edge surfaces being cylindrical and the other of said edge suri-aces being the tnustum of a cone. 20 4. A device comprising a plurality of truncated, comically-shaped split washers of gradually decreasing sizes and adapted to be closely nested to form a gradual taper with inner and outer edge surfaces, said inner edge surface being cylindrical and said outer edge surface being the frustum of a cone.

5. A device comprising a plurality of truncated, comically-shaped split washers of gradually decreasing sizes and adapted to be closely nested to form a gradual taper with inner and outer edge surfaces, said inner edge surface being the frustum of a cone and said outer edge surface being cylindrical. L

6. A shaft seal device adapted to create a seal between a shaft and a housing movable with respect to each other, oneof said members having a conical surface whereby said members togather define a tapering annular space surrounding the shaflt, said device comprising a plurality of closely nested truncated, conically-shaped split 'washeis of gradually decreasing sizes and forming a gradual taper with inner and outer edge surfaces adapted to engage and conform closely to the inner and outer surfaces of the said taper- 45 ing annuiar space.

' ELMER F. JACKMAN. 

